Homemade Twinkies

The homemade Twinkie is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood lunchboxes and sweet afternoon snacks. But this version is better than the original – crafted with real ingredients, a tender golden sponge, and a luscious marshmallow creme filling that’s made from scratch.

Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just indulging your inner child, these homemade Twinkies are as delightful to eat as they are to make. You don’t need preservatives or artificial flavorings when you’ve got fluffy eggs, real butter, and a little love in the mix. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles to every face at the table.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup marshmallow creme

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Twinkie pan or mini loaf pan and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with sugar using an electric mixer until thick and pale (about 6-8 minutes).

4. Add vanilla extract, then gently fold in the flour mixture in batches, being careful not to deflate the batter.

5. Combine warm milk and melted butter, then gently fold into the batter until just combined.

6. Fill each mold 3/4 full with batter and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Allow cakes to cool completely before removing from the pan.

8. For the filling, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream. Beat until smooth.

9. Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, poke three small holes into the bottom of each cake and fill with cream.

10. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 10 cakes

A Homemade Classic That Never Goes Out of Style

Homemade Twinkies aren’t just a copycat dessert—they’re a celebration of nostalgia wrapped in golden sponge and stuffed with creamy filling. This version takes the iconic store-bought snack and elevates it with real, wholesome ingredients, producing a fresher, richer flavor that pays tribute to the original while also outshining it. Whether you’re recreating your favorite childhood treat or introducing your kids to a timeless sweet, this homemade recipe delivers all the satisfaction of the classic—with none of the preservatives.

The Magic of Marshmallow Cream Filling

At the heart of every good Twinkie lies its fluffy, slightly sticky, marshmallow filling. Unlike frosting or whipped cream, this filling has a unique texture—light yet substantial, with a sweet vanilla flavor that balances the subtle richness of the sponge cake. The homemade version achieves this with a blend of butter, marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and cream, whipped until smooth and dreamy. The texture contrasts beautifully with the sponge, giving every bite a perfect balance of soft, airy cake and indulgent center.

Why Make Twinkies from Scratch?

While it’s easy to grab a box of Twinkies from the store, making them from scratch allows you to take full control over the ingredients, flavor, and quality. There are no artificial preservatives, colorings, or unpronounceable chemicals here—just familiar pantry staples combined with a bit of time and care. The result is a cleaner, more flavorful dessert that you can feel good about sharing with friends and family.

Moreover, homemade Twinkies are a great way to practice and refine your baking skills. You’ll master sponge techniques, precision folding, and piping—skills that translate to a wide variety of cakes and pastries.

Texture and Taste That Beat the Original

One of the standout qualities of this homemade version is the lightness of the sponge cake. Achieved by properly whipping the eggs and folding the batter, the cake is delicate yet structured enough to hold its shape when filled. Unlike the overly sweet commercial variety, this sponge has a natural vanilla flavor and subtle sweetness that lets the creamy center shine.

The marshmallow filling itself is rich but not cloying, thanks to the balance of ingredients. It’s smooth, slightly sticky, and melts in your mouth—exactly the way you remember it, but better.

Twinkie Molds and Baking Alternatives

If you’re concerned about special equipment, don’t worry—a Twinkie pan is ideal but not required. Mini loaf pans or even makeshift molds created from foil and parchment will work just fine. The key is to maintain a consistent shape and size so the cakes bake evenly and are easy to fill later.

For those who want to level up, silicone molds can add uniformity, while using a piping bag ensures precise cream distribution. This makes the process not only more efficient but also a lot more fun, especially when baking with kids.

Perfect for All Occasions

Homemade Twinkies aren’t just for nostalgic cravings—they make excellent treats for birthday parties, school lunches, bake sales, and dessert tables. Their tidy size and finger-friendly form make them great for sharing, gifting, or even wrapping individually for party favors.

They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread or coffee break, especially when paired with tea or a latte. And because they keep well in the refrigerator, you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them over several days.

Kid-Friendly and Parent-Approved

Because these homemade Twinkies skip the additives and focus on real ingredients, they’re a hit with both children and adults. Parents will love the fact that they know exactly what’s going into their kids’ snacks, and kids will love the soft texture and sweet filling. It’s a fun weekend baking project the whole family can get involved in—from mixing to piping to taste-testing.

You can even customize the filling by adding chocolate chips, citrus zest, or flavored extracts like almond or orange. The base recipe is incredibly adaptable, which means you can tweak it to suit your family’s taste or turn it into a themed treat for holidays.

Tips for the Best Results

To get the best rise and texture in the sponge, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before whipping. This ensures maximum volume when beating, which is key to getting the sponge light and fluffy without the need for chemical leaveners.

When folding the batter, be gentle and take your time—over-mixing can deflate the eggs and result in a dense cake. Also, be sure to fully cool the cakes before attempting to fill them. Warm sponge can melt the cream and ruin the texture.

If you plan to store them, keep the cakes refrigerated in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4–5 days, although they rarely last that long once people get a taste.

A Treat for the Senses

These golden sponge cakes are not only delicious but visually inviting. Their soft, pale-gold exterior and neatly piped filling make them look just as professional as their store-bought cousins. The aroma of vanilla, butter, and sugar wafting through the kitchen adds to the sensory pleasure and turns your home into a makeshift bakery.

You’ll notice the joy on people’s faces when they realize these aren’t from a package but lovingly baked from scratch. It’s a small indulgence with a big impact, made even more special by the effort and care you put into every bite.

Creative Twists on the Classic

While the traditional version is hard to beat, you can have fun experimenting. Try chocolate sponge with vanilla filling, or reverse it with chocolate cream inside vanilla sponge. Drizzle with ganache, dip one end in sprinkles, or inject a fruit compote for a summer twist.

You can even turn this into a gourmet dessert by plating a deconstructed Twinkie with whipped cream, fruit coulis, and fresh berries. The basic recipe opens the door to countless variations and flavor profiles.

Conclusion: A Worthy Tribute to a Beloved Snack

Homemade Twinkies prove that some things really are better when made from scratch. They capture the charm and flavor of a childhood favorite while improving on texture, quality, and nutritional value. Whether you’re baking them for nostalgic reasons or simply because you love a good cream-filled cake, this recipe delivers everything you want in a sweet, satisfying dessert.

Perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, these Twinkies are sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Fun to make, delightful to eat, and endlessly customizable—they’re more than just a snack; they’re a homemade masterpiece.